My response to Tom Chandler and the post – Fly Fishing’s Revolutionary Products? There Haven’t Been Many… (an Underground Game)

In the article, Tom states:

AFFTA is now sending me daily emails reminding me their IFTD trade show draws nigh, which suggests it’s time for the Undergrounders to engage in a little marketer-busting fun.

I call it: “Revolutionary, or Just A Bunch Of Hot Air?”

The premise is simple; marketers are fond of describing their latest/greatest/fastest/lightest product as Revolutionary.

Yet most simply aren’t.

In fact, to most observers, fly fishing is recognizably the same sport now as it was at the turn of the 20th century, suggesting even our “revolutions” are barely evolutionary (though it’s possible we look sillier now than we did then).

Has any development in the last 70 years truly “revolutionized” the sport of fly fishing?

Tom – if you’re at the show, I’d love to chat further in person. If you truly love our sport, you’ll agree that we’ve made huge steps in conservation, education, and outreach.

I’d like to comment on the post and not the comments:

I love this industry. Since entering it, I’ve found mostly helpful down-home people and just a few jerks. While I agree that there really haven’t been major advancements in technology, there have been major advancements in preservation, teaching, and conversation. We must keep the idea of our fly-fishing industry needs to keep growing – and with that I must admire those who have brought our sport to those who haven’t embraced it. I’m speaking of Casting for a Cure, Project Healing Waters, Trout Unlimited, Fishy Kid, etc. – those kinds of programs are spreading the word and creating new anglers.

I know it’s crowded out there already, but I must say, who will come up with the new revolutions? Who will be our legacy when we’re dead and gone? If you don’t teach, share news, and support the habitat, who will?

I believe it’s important to keep and grow our specific community. Don’t under estimate the knowledge that’s coming to the sport. Whether it happens this year, or ten years, don’t stop loving how we support our own community.

Yes, I love new rods, reels and indicators, but I still use the same stuff I always have. So, let’s focus on the future, and what is going to come of it?

I’ll be at IFTD this year in support of new media, bloggers, conservation, and education. Why? Well, I guess you know by now.